Hello everyone, this is Christy Langemann from the Chiayi team! This is my first year teaching in Taiwan , and I find that I am probably learning more than I am teaching! Along with the challenges that have come my way have been wonderful blessings that I am happy to share with you.
We are in our fourth week of English teaching, and so are settling into our routine for the year. Some highlights have been…
…Being greeted by bright, shining faces of students eager to learn and have fun.
…Sharing our many adventures together as a team and growing together.
…Spending time with some of our students' parents - they've been wonderfully generous with their time in taking us all over the county.
…Trying all sorts of new an interesting food including: pig blood, chicken feet, fish eyes, octopus and "stinky tofu"! Most of the food here is really yummy, though.
For me, the past six weeks that I have been in Chiayi have been ones of learning to trust in the Lord more and rely only upon Him for the task that He has called me to. God is faithful to bring me out of my "comfort zone" so that I will lean on Him more fully. How glad I am that those "everlasting arms" are always under me!! When I look at my circumstances, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. When I remember that God is in control of my circumstances, it is much easier to rejoice in Him! Surely the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people (and the students love enthusiastic & joyful teachers)!
My first class this morning was a first-grade, to whom I am teaching the alphabet and phonics. Most of my students did not have English names, so I was given the privilege of naming them this morning. After teaching, the students all raced to the front to give me a hug. Chubby (and not so chubby) little arms around my neck give me a boost like none other! How I love these precious children.
My other morning classes today were the 5th & 6th grade. The students are a little older, of course, and know a bit more English, which makes conversation with them a little more meaningful. In between classes I usually have a crowd of students around my desk, asking me questions, getting my email address, and generally just wanting to hang around. Then there are the students who like to sweep and clean up the English classroom between every single class. How can I not thank them? They're so sweet!!
In case it sounds like this is just the dream job, it is and it isn't. There are real challenges, and you can pray for these. Most of my first-grade classes tend to get a little wild and I need wisdom in reining in little boys' energy and channeling it appropriately. Communicating with teachers and directors has its own difficulties as we have language and cultural barriers to cross. The teachers and directors are GREAT, though, and I enjoy working with them.
Various members of my team have had opportunities of sharing with Chinese teachers and parents. Pray that we would truly shine God's light and speak His truth to those we meet here in Taiwan. Thank you muchly for your prayers!!
~Chia Yi
~Christy
